November 19, 2018

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP- ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

November 19, 2018

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Emmetts, Mrs. Tracey, Mr. Szabo, Mr. Dvorsky, Mr. Svendsen, Mr. Branagan

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mrs. Branagan, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Nause

Mr. Branagan called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. with the statement that this meeting is in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. This was a regularly scheduled meeting of the Stillwater Township Environmental Commission. Regular meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m., at the Stillwater Township Municipal Building located in Middleville, New Jersey.

The flag was saluted and roll call taken.

Minutes

Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to approve the minutes of 10/11/18, seconded by Mr. Dvorsky.

Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Emmetts, yes, Mrs. Tracey, abstain, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mr. Dvorsky, yes, Mr. Svendsen, abstain, Mr. Branagan, yes

Bills

Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to approve the following bills, pending availability of funds, seconded by Mrs. Tracey:

Secretary: $ 213.13

Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Emmetts, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mr. Dvorsky, yes, Mr. Svendsen, yes, Mr. Branagan, yes

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:10 p.m.

There being no members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:10.

Correspondence:

-WSJ, 11/19/18: “A Green Logrolling Classic”

-WSJ, 11/19/18: “Natural Gas: Another Alternative Auto Fuel”

Old Business

2019 Budget Worksheet:

After review of the budget proposal for 2019, Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to forward the following budget request to the Township Committee, seconded by Mr. Branagan:

Advertising: $ 125.00

Forms/Books: $ 100.00

Office Supplies: $ 200.00

Membership: $ 425.00

ERI Update: 0

Water Testing: 0 *stream water testing is conducted every other year

Outreach/Events: $ 200.00

Seminars/Training: $ 400.00

Brochures: $ 250.00

Printing: $ 500.00

Mileage: $ 200.00

Total: $2400.00

Secretary salary is determined by the Township Committee – percentage increase afforded all employees.

Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Emmetts, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mr. Dvorsky, yes, Mr. Svendsen, yes, Mr. Branagan, yes

Stream Water Testing:

The EC discussed whether or not to conduct the stream water testing at this time due to the recent rain, snow and salt run-off. Mr. Svendsen stated most of the salt is absorbed by the soil before entering the water. Mayor Chammings noted the streams are also moving very fast. After further discussion, the EC agreed to test the ten sites this month as planned. After review of the test parameters, it was discovered that testing for fecal coliform was only ordered for one site (#10). This will result in an increase of $65/site for nine additional sites or $585.00. Funding is available within the EC budget to transfer money from other line items to cover the cost.

Mr. Branagan made a motion to approve the cost not to exceed $600 from within the EC budget to test nine additional sites for fecal coliform, pending CFO authorization, seconded by Mr. Szabo.

Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Emmetts, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mr. Dvorsky, yes, Mr. Svendsen, yes, Mr. Branagan, yes

Bat Houses – Passive Side VMP:

Mrs. Emmetts reported that her neighbor may be interested in the project as she has just been inducted into the National Honor Society at school and needs to meet a requirement of 20 hours of community service. Mr. Svendsen will contact Julia Geydoshek to see if she is interested.

Stillwater School/KRHS – Student Participation in VMP Project:

Mayor Chammings reported that Mr. Sajdak was at KRHS and spoke to her about the project and getting KRHS students involved. Mr. Sajdak is also waiting to hear back from Stillwater School. Grant funding has been obtained and volunteers are needed to help remove invasives as well as tree restoration at the park. This is a very exciting project for Stillwater and Veteran’s Memorial Park. Mr. Branagan noted the trees at VMP are the perfect habitat for the Spotted Lantern Fly. Once the plans are finalized, Mr. Sajdak will attend an EC meeting to review the project.

TREX: Plastic Bag Recycling Company

Mr. Brangan reported that bags will be collected in a clear bag before disposal. The bags must be clean and a sign will be posted indicating the type of bags that can be accepted. Mr. Branagan and Mrs. Branagan have volunteered to pick up the bags and drop them off at a participating retailer. Mr. Szabo felt a sign was not necessary and all bags should be accepted or those not accepted should be posted.

Mr. Branagan will contact TREX to inquire if the program will continue or if it ends at some point.

ANJEC Open Space Stewardship Grant Update:

Mr. Branagan reported that Mr. Vendetti needs four volunteers to install the sign over the bridge. The sign will slide into a slot on each side of the bridge. Installation will be completed during a weekend. Mrs. Wunder asked to be informed once it is determined so that she can schedule an immediate inspection by the Construction Official. Mayor Chammings offered her tractor and assistance. The date for installation was tentatively set for December 1^st.

Fishing Line Collection: All line is to be cleaned of litter/leaves, hooks and lead sinkers. Lead sinkers are to be provided at the meeting for recycling. Mrs. Emmetts reported the boat launch at Swartswood Lake is now closed. Mr. Branagan will check the receptacles Mrs. Emmetts is responsible for while she is away. There is a missing receptacle at the river at VMP.

New Business

Annual Report 2018:

The report by Mrs. Emmetts was reviewed by the EC and changes were made. Information will be added from the November and December EC meetings before the report is submitted to the Township Committee in January.

Recycling Center:

Mr. Svendsen expressed concerns he has with the Recycling Center. Mayor Chammings received a letter from the Sussex County Board of Health addressing the issues and the township is currently in the process of doing so. Mayor Chammings will follow-up with Mr. Gardner on the progress at the center. Mr. Svendsen offered his guidance to address matter. Mayor Chammings and Eric Svendsen will meet to discuss further and possibly meet with the DPW Supervisor if needed.

Recycling – Cooking oil, oil filters:

Mr. Branagan reported that while in South Carolina he visited a Recycling Center and they accept cooking oil and oil filters and have closed containers for their disposal.

Ms. Casapulla at the SCMUA directs people to bring the cooking oil to Ideal Farms where they filter it and reuse it.

Mayor Chammings will update the Recycling Center sign informing the public that SCMUA accepts clean Styrofoam free of charge.

Ash Tree – Emerald Ash Borer:

Mr. Branagan displayed photos to the EC of trees on his property affected by the Ash Borer. It is progressing throughout his property. The EC discussed the issue that has become a widespread problem over the last year. Mayor Chammings noted JCP&L will be removing Ash trees and hazard trees in the area as part of their maintenance program. Upwards of 100 trees will be removed starting January 1^st.

Volunteer/Member Recognition:

-Mr. Blanchard for installing the informative signs (turtles and dragonflies) along the river at VMP.

Endangered and Threatened Species: None

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 8:20 p.m.

There being no members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 8:20 p.m.

Planning Board (PB) Liaison Report: The October meeting was cancelled.

Township Liaison Report: Mayor Chammings

The next Township Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2018.

COLA Meeting:

Mrs. Emmetts attended the last COLA meeting and a presentation was provided by Karin LaGreca of Ramapo College on world sustainability. Rain gardens were discussed and should be encouraged by the EC. A 3’ x 3’ rain garden will address run-off for 1,000 square feet per year. State funding is available.

With no further business to come before the Commission, Mr. Szabo made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Emmetts. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________________________

Kathy Wunder, Secretary